Come on England! Former skipper David Beckham arrives in Miami to cheer on his team... before launching PR campaign for new MLS franchise

His plan to develop a new, Miami based football stadium overlooking the ocean has been met with stern opposition from locals, but David Beckham was in good cheer as he touched down in Florida on Friday.

The former footballer is hoping to alter the negative mood surrounding the launch of his MLS franchise, which he hopes to build next to the Miami Heat basketball stadium.

But before a savvy PR campaign to win over political and community groups begins Beckham will take in England’s last warm-up match, a friendly against Honduras, before the team journey to Brazil to begin their World Cup campaign against Italy on June 12.

Here he comes: David Beckham touches down in Miami on Friday ahead of England's final friendly

The former skipper – who won 115 caps for his country during a distinguished career – touched down at Miami International Airport ahead of the match, which takes place on Saturday evening.

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Sporting one of his favourite Baker Boy hats, Beckham looked casual in a white T-shirt and used look jeans after jetting into the US from London, where he’s been promoting his forthcoming documentary, Beckham: Into The Unknown.

Despite making a low-key exit, the sporting icon still drew a crowd – with many no doubt recognising his impressive sleeve tattoos – and he kept them happy by obliging their requests for autographs and selfies.

There you go: The good natured former footballer obliges fans with autographs after touching down

Drawing a crowd: The ex-England ace made a low-key exit, but still managed to get himself noticed by fans as he strolled across the terminal on Friday

With a rucksack strapped to his back he eventually made his way towards a waiting car as he begins what promises to be a busy trip to the sunshine state.

The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder will need all his undoubted charm ahead of a referendum in November to persuade the electorate that his project will be totally privately funded and that all he wants from the state is the same tax relief conditions given to other Florida sports franchises plus a fair market price for the land.

Miami voters will be ultra-sceptical after the enormous cost to taxpayers of the Marlins Park baseball stadium. Even the much-needed refurbishments to the Miami Dolphins Sun Life stadium, where England play today, have been delayed over the cost to the public purse.

Nice one: The former Manchester United star signs a shirt

Spectator sport: Beckham will watch from the stands on Saturday evening as England take on Honduras in their final warm-up match before the World Cup finals n Brazil

Mind out: The sporting icon wore one of his favorite baker Boy hats on Friday

Beckham put footballing concerns aside when he journeyed into the Amazon rainforest for his new documentary, which airs on Monday, and he recently admitted wife Victoria was more concerned about his hair than his physical wellbeing as he prepared for the 12 day, 100km hike.

He joked on Channel Seven's Sunrise: 'She was more than happy to let me go. She said: 'You should go. I said: "OK, you are going to miss me though, right?"

'But she was more worried about my hair than funnily enough than the snake.'

He's off: Beckham prepares to exit Miami International Airport shortly after touching down